Serena Williams beats Henin to win fifth Australian Open title

Serena Williams beats Henin to win fifth Australian Open title

Serena Williams of the United States poses with the champion trophy during the awarding ceremony of women's singles after defeating Justine Henin of Belgium in the final match at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 30, 2010. S.Williams won 2-1.

ELBOURNE, Jan. 30 -- World number one Serena Williams won her fifth Australian Open singles title after beating Belgian Justine Henin in the final on Saturday.

The American clinched it on her second match point to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 on Roda Laver Aerna and claim her 12th grand slam singles trophy.

Serena Williams (R) of the United States grimaces with the champion trophy during the awarding ceremony of women's singles after defeating Justine Henin of Belgium in the final match at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 30, 2010. S.Williams won 2-1.

"She's a real champion. Well done, again," said Henin.

The victory also means that Williams became the first woman to repeat as Australian Open champion since Jennifer Capriati in 2002.

In taking this year's title, Williams broke her streak of winning in Melbourne in alternate years following her first championship in 2003. It also moved her one ahead of Court, Evonne Goologong Cawley, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles for the most Australian Open titles since professionals first were admitted in 1969.

Serena Williams of the United States holds up the champion trophy during the awarding ceremony of women's singles after defeating Justine Henin of Belgium in the final match at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 30, 2010. S.Williams won 2-1.

Henin, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, was playing just her second tournament and first grand slam event since returning from a 20-month retirement. Henin, who quit when ranked No. 1, needed a wild-card invitation from organizers because she hasn't played enough events to qualify for a ranking.

Today's final was their 14th career meeting in a rivalry dating back to the 2001 U.S. Open. Williams now leads 8-6 after winning their first matchup in a Grand Slam final.

Williams, playing with bandages on her right thigh and left calf, was back on Rod Laver Arena after yesterday pairing with sister Venus to win the women's doubles title for the second straight year.

Serena Williams of the United States hits a return during the women's singles final match against Justine Henin of Belgium at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan.30, 2010. S. Williams won 2-1.

Henin, 27, was the second straight wild-card entry from Belgium to reach a Grand Slam women's final. Kim Clijsters won September's U. S. Open in her first major after returning from retirement. Until Clijsters' run to the title in New York, no wild card had gone beyond the semifinals at a major.

Serena Williams of the United States reacts during the women's singles final match against Justine Henin of Belgium at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan.30, 2010. S. Williams won 2-1.

Serena Williams of the United States hits a return during the women's singles final match against Justine Henin of Belgium at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan.30, 2010. S. Williams won 2-1.

Serena Williams of the United States hits a return during the women's singles final match against Justine Henin of Belgium at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan.30, 2010. S. Williams won 2-1.

Justine Henin of Belgium hits a return during the women's singles final match against Serena Williams of the United States at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan.30, 2010. Henin lost 1-2.

Justine Henin of Belgium eyes the ball while serving to Serena Williams of the United States during their women's singles final match at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 30, 2010. Henin lost 1-2.

Justine Henin of Belgium reacts during the women's singles final match against Serena Williams of the United States at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan.30, 2010.

Justine Henin of Belgium reacts during the women's singles final match against Serena Williams of the United States at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan.30, 2010. Henin lost 1-2.

Justine Henin of Belgium hits a return during the women's singles final match against Serena Williams of the United States at 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Jan.30, 2010. Henin lost 1-2.
(Xinhua)